Thu Feb 06 18:16:59 UTC 2025: ## Iyer’s Last-Minute Call-Up Fuels India’s Win Over England
**Nagpur, India** – India’s star batsman Shreyas Iyer revealed a surprising twist in the team’s opening ODI victory against England on Thursday. In a post-match interview, Iyer disclosed that he was initially not slated to play in the match, only securing his spot after Virat Kohli was ruled out due to a swollen knee.
Iyer, a consistent performer at number four for India, had a stellar 2023 World Cup, scoring 530 runs. Despite this impressive record, and his crucial 59-run knock in Nagpur which helped spark India’s comeback, Iyer confirmed he was a late replacement. “I wasn’t supposed to play the first game,” he stated, adding that he only received a call-up the night before the match.
The revelation left commentators Kevin Pietersen and Parthiv Patel stunned. Patel questioned why Iyer wasn’t in the original starting XI, suggesting debutant Yashasvi Jaiswal had been initially selected to replace Kohli. Iyer declined to elaborate on team strategy, choosing to focus on the victory.
Iyer’s late inclusion and subsequent impactful performance highlight the unexpected nature of team selections and the importance of remaining prepared for opportunities. His match-winning contribution further cemented his status as a key player for India.
First Piper 